Whole Air Fried Chicken

ingredients

• 1 x whole chicken (size 20 fits in a large air fryer perfectly)
• 2 spring onion stalks, sliced thinly
• 10 basil leaves, chopped finely
• 2 thyme sprigs, chopped finely
• 4 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 large garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
• Generous amount of salt and pepper
• 2 tbsp olive oil

method

1. In a mixing bowl, add the spring onion, basil, thyme, tomato paste, garlic cloves, lime juice, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix well.
2. At the tip of the chicken breast, lift up the skin and separate from the breast (without tearing!) Pull gently to separate. This is an icky thing to do, but it really flavours the meat.
3. Divide the tomato mixture into 4 and place one quarter down one half of the breast, and then repeat down the other half. With the remaining mixture, coat the entire chicken. Place the lime rinds inside the cavity of the chicken.
4. This next part is optional, but makes for an easy and even cook. Time to tie up your chicken! Using some twine, tie up together the drums, pulling them right towards each other. The name for this is to ‘truss’ a chicken.
5. With a generous hand, sprinkle salt ALL over the chicken. This helps the skin to get crispy and have that delicious salty taste.
6. Place the chicken breast side down in the airfryer basket, and change the setting to chicken and press go! The smart sense technology will take care of the rest. If your air fryer doesn't have a chicken setting, set it to 165°C for 1 hour, flipping half way. To crisp up at the end, change the temp to 180°C for 10 minutes. The chicken is ready when the thickest part of the thigh reaches 75°C and the juices run clear.
7. Slice and serve!